Create razor-sharp graphics

Model Airplane News, Jul 1999 by Smetak, Ed

ANY MODELERS BELIEVE that letter-perfect custom graphics are beyond their budgets or capabilities. After countless hours of building, they settle for a few "off-theshelf" decals or leave their aircraft plain and boring.

With the techniques presented here, you'll have everything you need to create strikingly sharp custom graphics that will certainly turn heads; the best part is that it's inexpensive and easy, too!

The first step is to create a full-size pattern on a piece of lightweight paper (paper lighter than the standard 20pound is easier to cut through). You can create a pattern for your graphic however you want-even draw it by hand. I use a personal computer and Microsoft Windows' Paint (in the Accessories folder). You work with lines, shapes, text, styles and sizes, and you can experiment with different color schemes-even zoom in and edit the image pixel by pixel! When you've finished designing, print out your pattern on a piece of the lightweight paper. Printing the pattern in light gray rather than black makes it easier to see exactly where the point of the knife is during the cutting process.

Next attach the pattern directly to the fuel-resistant vinyl trim sheet material with masking tape. You don't want your design to shift around even the slightest bit while you're cutting it.

Working on a well-lit surface, cut through the pattern and the trim material using the X-Acto knife-but not all the way through the protective backing. You'll quickly learn how much pressure it requires to accomplish this. Consider picking up an X-Acto no. X3241. This knife's swivel blade rotates 360 degrees for cutting curves, circles and designs. You'll wonder how you ever worked without it. If you do cut all the way through the protective backing in some areas, don't worry, as long as the backing is still in one piece and holds the design together. It's imperative to use a sharp blade! If you notice even the slightest pulling as you cut, change the blade; this will keep the edges of your graphic sharp. Take your time cutting out your design. A little time and patience will go a long way. Cut a curve, then lay your straightedge against the blade to cut a straight section, then a curve, and so on. Discard the paper pattern and "weed" out the background trim material with your knife and tweezers as you go. If you must stop cutting, be careful to get the blade back exactly where you left off before you continue.

Mark guidelines on your model using a felt-tip pen where the graphic will be placed. For dark-colored models, mark temporary guidelines using those little yellow stick-on notes.

Transfer the graphic from its protective backing to your model using application tape (available in various sizes from any vinyl-sign-making shop or art-supply store). Stick the application tape over your graphic. Carefully peel the application tape from the trim sheet's protective backing and the graphic will now adhere to the application tape. Be particularly careful not to crease the graphic by bending it back too far or pulling it up too quickly. Creases won't smooth out after the graphic has been applied; you'll have to cut a new one.

Take your time, use your guidelines (transparent application tape makes it easier to see your guidelines), and gently lay the graphic down on the surface with a continuous, smooth motion, being careful not to trap air bubbles underneath. If you do trap a bubble, carefully pierce the graphic with the tip of your knife and smooth it out.

After the graphic has been applied, burnish it with a soft cloth. Carefully pull off the application tape by bending it back on itself while pulling up slowly (you don't want to pull the covering off your plane!). Use a trim sealing iron set on low to lay graphics over the edges of a hinge slot.

Now wipe off the guidelines with a damp cloth. To prevent fuel from seeping under the graphic, brush some clear dope around its edges or clearcoat it entirely. That's it; step back and admire your work!

I am always interested in exchanging ideas with other R/C modelers. I am a member of the Jetero R/C Club in Houston, TX, http://www .jetero.org. Feel free to drop me a note at ecsmetak@ kingwoodcable.com or visit my website at http://www.smetak .com.